Workplace Law Magazine is available only to Premium Members of the Workplace Law Network. Produced 10 times each year, it is distributed in hard copy format in the first week of the month, and is also available online.
Celebrating 35 years of the Health and Safety at Work Act
On 31 July 1974, the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act received Royal Assent. So, after 35 years and huge changes in the way people in the UK work, is it still fit for purpose? That was a question we asked of many different experts this month – and the answer was a resounding yes.
Judith Hackitt, the Chair of the HSE, told Workplace Law Magazine that the HSAW is one of the best pieces of legislation ever written, and one she believes will eventually lead to the number of workplace deaths per year being in the tens rather than the hundreds (p.16).
Nattasha Freeman, President of IOSH, was also full of praise for the Act, going so far as to call it “a truly brilliant piece of legislation, which has contributed to saving many thousands of lives.” (p.23).
Of course they would say that, you may think, given the professional bodies they represent; so, to see if a more impartial expert would agree, we asked Workplace Law’s Head of Health and Safety, Simon Toseland, for his opinion.
In this issue...
06 Legal calendar
Key legislative dates taking place in Summer 2009.
10 Case law
- Employer should have known about unsafe noise levels, rules Court of Appeal
- EAT rules that part-time workers must find “comparable full-time worker”
- ‘Environmentalism' can be a belief
Comment
09 Is modern technology making us ill?
The office is a social community – an often underrated one – and to create a sense of belonging is critical to the success of any business and the wellbeing of every worker, says Ann Clarke.
23 ‘Genius Act’ reaches 35-year milestone
It might have taken a few knocks over the years but HSAW is still a highly important and ingenious piece of legislation, says Nattasha Freeman.
Focus
07 HSAW in one minute
Workplace Law's quick guide to the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act.
12 The health agenda
Whilst workplace safety records have been improving, the health of the workforce has deteriorated. Greta Thornbory explains what can be done to reverse this trend.
16 Act of inspiration
Thirty-five years after its introduction, the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act has been heralded as one of the best pieces of legislation ever written.
20 Heated debate
With warmer weather on the way, what does the law say about working in hot temperatures? And what can managers do to keep their staff productive? Jamie Beatson investigates.
Network
19 Conference review
An update on Workplace Law's Facilities Management Legal Update Conference, which took place last month.
24 Clinic
Workplace Law members ask the experts for advice on workplace issues.
Challenge
30 Sharing the safety burden
With rates of compliance among employers improving, is the health and safety burden moving more towards employees? Tim Hill investigates.
Technical
26 Legal update
In-depth technical guidance on: sentencing for health and safety offences; employers’ liability for injuries; and VAT.
The data
33 This month’s statistics
Key figures and information on health and safety and employment law.
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